Wire mesh panel and method

ABSTRACT

An assembly and method is provided for a decorative panel which may be utilized as a screen, wall, or other structural surface comprises a wire mesh woven with flat, substantially flat, or planar surfaced wires mounted within transparent or translucent sheets of glass, polycarbonate, plastic, and/or other glass-like material. The wires comprise twisted portions within the weave thereof whereby the twisting flat, substantially flat or planar surfaces thereby produce a visual effect. During construction of the panel, one or more sheets of binding material are positioned between the transparent or translucent sheet along with the mesh. The assembly is heated and compressed to thereby form a panel with all components bound together.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/620,544 filed Jul. 16, 2003.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a wire mesh panel and, in onepossible embodiment, to a wire mesh panel comprised of generally planarwires which may also comprise flat wires with twists therein.

BACKGROUND

Safety glass, also known as wired glass, is well known in the prior art.Safety glass may utilize a wire mesh support as discussed in more detailin the cited patents listed hereinafter. Safety glass is utilized toprovide protective windows that permit visual perception therethrough.Accordingly, the wire mesh utilized in prior art safety glass istypically of very small diameter wire with wide openings in the mesh soas to avoid obstructing vision through the glass. Due to the smalldiameter wire mesh with large openings therein that permit maximumvision therethrough, there is effectively very little inherent strengthin this wire mesh. To increase the strength of the wire mesh utilized insafety glass, the wire mesh is formed by twisting the wires together ateach connection and/or welding the mesh.

The prior art safety glass focuses on minimizing the appearance of thewire inside the glass. The result of using relatively few strands ofminimized diameter wire in the support mesh significantly improves theability to look through the glass by blocking only a very small percentor a fraction of a percent of the light through the safety glass, butalso provides a relatively low strength glass support structure ascompared to many other reinforcing materials.

The following patents show prior art related to the above:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,511,168, issued Jun. 13, 1950, to J. S. Martin et al.,discloses the construction and mounting of units of transparentsynthetic resins, such as sheets, panels and structural components, andproposes a mounting extension or member secured to and projecting fromthe unit in such a manner that for all practical purposes it becomes anintegral part thereof and embodies all the favorable characteristics ofthe unit, at the same time avoiding and eliminating the disadvantageswhich have heretofore characterized the mounting of elements or units.U.S. Pat. No. 3,953,630, issued Apr. 27, 1976, to Roberts et al.,discloses a laminated transparent assembly suitable for use as awindscreen for a high speed vehicle, e.g., an aircraft or railwaylocomotive, which comprises a load-bearing sheet of toughened glasshaving a second sheet of glass laminated thereto by means of an impactresistant interlayer of plastics material, e.g., polyvinylbutyral, andan insert of high tensile strength flexible material which extendsaround the periphery of the interlayer and which has an inner partembedded in the outer marginal portion of the interlayer in a planeparallel to the surfaces of the interlayer, and an outer part extendingoutwardly beyond the edges of the interlayer to provide for attachmentof the assembly to the structure of the vehicle. The insert ispreferably a sheet of fabric material, e.g., a fabric woven fromrubber-impregnated glass fiber cords and nylon, with the glass fibercords substantially perpendicular to the adjacent edges of the assembly,embedded between layers of soft polyvinylbutyral. The outer part of theinsert may have a flexible portion adjacent to the edges of theinterlayer and an outer marginal portion which is reinforced, e.g., withmetal, to render it rigid to provide means for attachment of theassembly to the vehicle structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,954,547, issued May 4, 1976, to Werner Genthner,discloses the production of safety glass with a plastic sheet as anintermediate layer, using wires such as electrical heating wires, whichare fixed on the plastic sheet in their final (for instance, undulating)shape in a stress free condition.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,217, issued Apr. 26, 1977, to Karasudani et al.,discloses a laminated safety glass structure which comprises at leasttwo glass sheets bonded to each other through an interlayer of aplasticized polyvinyl acetyl resin treated with a specific modifiedsiloxane alone or together with a specific alkali metal or alkalineearth metal salt of an organic mono- or di-carboxylic acid. Thisstructure has a highly improved penetration resistance along withsuperior transparency, aging resistance and weatherability, and issuitable for use as windowpanes in transportation facilities andbuildings.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,668, issued Nov. 6, 1979, to Hentzelt et al.,discloses a fire-screening panel that maintains its effectiveness inpreventing fire propagation even after aging of the panel. The panelcomprises a first structural ply formed from a vitreous sheet, and asecond structural ply, with a layer of intumescent material disposedtherebetween. Other plies may also be provided, and the plies areclamped together in face-to-face relationship, and/or bonded together.At least one ply of the panel has an infra-red reflecting coatingdisposed thereon, remote from the intumescent material, which coatingprovides for the retained effectiveness of the fire-propagatingproperties of the panel despite aging thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,672, issued Nov. 6, 1979, to Jose R. Mannheim,discloses a method to decorated laminate glass comprised of two glasssheets joined by a decorated film of a thermoplastic polymer. A sheet ofglass, the film and a lamina of cellulosic material, decorated on thesurface that contacts the film, are subjected to pressure and heat so asto transfer, by sublimation, the decoration to the film at the momentthat it adheres itself to the surface of the glass. A second sheet ofglass is over-placed on the decorated film and pressed to it, with heat,so as to form a safety glass decorated and/or colored in the interior.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,642,255, issued Feb. 10, 1987, to Frank C. Dlubak,discloses a laminated article comprising two outer glass layers, apolyvinyl acetyl layer disposed therebetween and a fibrous layerencapsulated in the polyvinyl acetyl layer; and a process for producingthe laminated article comprising (1) maintaining a substantiallyconstant vacuum in a flexible container containing an assemblycomprising (a) a first glass layer, (b) a first polyvinyl acetyl layerin contact with the first glass layer, (c) a fibrous layer in contactwith the first polyvinyl acetyl layer, (d) a second polyvinyl acetyllayer in contact with the fibrous layer and (e) a second glass layer incontact with the second polyvinyl acetyl layer; (2) applying pressure onthe container while increasing the same from about ambient pressure toan elevated pressure level and simultaneously increasing the temperatureon the contents of the container from about ambient temperature to anelevated temperature level; (3) reducing the temperature on the contentsof the container from the elevated temperature level to about ambienttemperature; and then (4) reducing the pressure on the container fromthe elevated pressure level to about ambient pressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,722, issued Apr. 25, 1989, to Kenneth B. Jarrett,discloses a safety glass laminate comprising a first sheet of organic orinorganic glass and a second rigid sheet, which may also be of organicor inorganic glass, with a flexible plastics interlayer therebetweenbonded to each of the sheets by adhesive which has been cured byirradiation, the interlayer comprising two outer layers of plastics filmand an inner layer of fabric, preferably woven polyester, interposedtherebetween. The laminate may, for example, be employed as decorativecladding or as a panel for a glass door. A security window may beprovided in the laminate.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,630, issued Jun. 15, 1993, to James A. Hickman,discloses a fire-resistant safety glazing product which comprises atleast two sheets of glazing material, e.g. glass, bonded together withan interlayer of adhesive binder material and metallic wire mesh of thetype used in “wired glass” embedded in the interlayer. Methods ofmanufacturing fire-resistant safety glazing products are disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,954, issued Jul. 27, 1993, to Sakamoto et al.,discloses a fire protective glass panel for use in a fire protectivewindow, door, and partition wall, which comprises at least one sheet offireproof glass plate and a fluorocarbon resin film of a chain molecularstructure type bonded to a side surface of the glass plate and which hasnon-shattering property as well as fire protection property wherein thefireproof glass plate is a heat-resistant and light transparentcrystallized glass plate or, alternatively, the fireproof glass plate isa wire glass plate and the fluorocarbon resin film has a thickness of0.02-1 mm and is made of one of FEP, PFA, PCTFE, ETFE, and PVDF.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,805, issued Oct. 31, 1995, to Sakamoto et al.,discloses a fire-protection and safety glass panel having a transparentappearance and dual functions as a fire protection glass for shuttingout flame and smoke for a long period of time upon occurrence of fireand as a safety glass which is neither shattered into pieces nor formsany through hole if it is broken in an ordinary life. A PET(polyethylene terephthalate) film is arranged between a first glassplate and a second glass plate. The first and the second glass platesand the PET film are adhered through transparent acrylic adhesive agentlayers, respectively. An intermediate resin layer comprises the PET filmand the adhesive agent layers and has a thickness between 75 and 200micrometers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,051, issued Apr. 9, 1996, to Levy-Borochov et al.,discloses an improved transparent bullet-proof laminate which is formedwith an energy absorbing transition layer located between preformedlaminae of glass and/or plastic, such as polycarbonate, the transitionlayer constituting a cured aliphatic urethane acrylate with optionallyup to 70% of a monofunctional monomeric acrylate, the transition layerin liquid form having a viscosity preferably no greater than 1000 cpsand in cured state having a toughness of at least 0.1 MPa, and elasticmodulus no greater than 25 MPa and an elongation of at least 20%.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,704, issued Jun. 1, 1999, to Friedman et al.,discloses optical and fire screening protective glazing laminatescomprising fluoropolymer interlayer films. The films and their laminatescomprise THV and blends of THV with FEP, ECTFE or ECCTFE, and modifiedwith additives, such as coupling agents, pigment or color concentrates,and IR- or UV-light blockers, and may be subjected to a surface coronatreatment. The films also may incorporate a fiber mesh for additionalreinforcement.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,862, issued Aug. 31, 1999, to Stephen Edwin Howes,discloses a decorative window which consists of thick transparentplastic resin layer laminated to a sheet of glass. The outer surface ofresin layer includes decorative features, such as deeply contouredpictographic images and finely detailed textured surfaces. Thedecorative window is produced as replica of a glass master originallymade using conventional grinding and surfaces finishing techniques. Themaster is then covered with a mixture of silicone, catalysts for curingthe silicone, and a light oil to form a mold. After curing, the mold isremoved from the glass master, inverted and a glass sheet, which hasbeen prepared for the process by being coated with organosilane ester,is clamped thereto. The mold cavity is then filled with a mixture of aclear plastic resin, catalysts for curing the resin, and organosilaneester. After curing, the replicated decorative window is removed fromthe mold.

U.K. Patent Application GB 2,078,166A, published Jan. 6, 1982, to UgoPacella, discloses composite sheet material that is built-up of aplurality of single plates joined together by means of one or moreinterposed biadhesive tapes. The composite sheet may be provided with acolored or reflecting film and may comprise in addition inserts formedof films or wires provided for increasing the strength of the sheet orfor serving as parts of electric heating or alarm circuits. The processfor making the sheets provides for the application of the biadhesivetapes without the forming of air pockets and for a compression effectacting over the whole surface of the composite sheet within anautoclave. The single plates forming the sheet may be of glass,polycarbonate, or other synthetic material. The biadhesive tape ispreferably provided on both sides with a protective film, to be removedbefore the application of the tape and the adhesive securement togetherof the single plates.

U.K. Patent Application GB 2,125,732A, published Mar. 14, 1984, toCarl-Zeiss-Stiftung, discloses a composite glass and/or vitreousceramic-bonded system for application as shielding against microwaveradiation which comprises between at least one supporting plate and atleast one cover plate made of glass and/or vitreous ceramic material, ametallic microwave-impermeable shield which is non-detachably adhesivelybonded to the plates by means of a viscously elastic and/or permanentlyelastic cement, the metallic shield being conducted in out of the bondedunit in such a manner as to enable it being connected in microwavesealed fashion to an adjoining frame and/or to mounting means. Thecomposite system may be used, for example, as a viewing or observationpanel for microwave-charged chambers.

U.K. Patent Application GB 2,155,856A, published Oct. 2, 1985, to JamesArthur et al., discloses a method of producing a laminate whichcomprises arranging a pair of sheets, e.g. of glass, face-to-face and atan incline to the horizontal with a lower portion of the periphery ofthe sheets sealed in a substantially liquid tight manner by non-porousadhesive strip material sandwiched between the sheets. Settable liquidresin material is poured between the sheets through at least one fillingopening along an upper portion of the periphery of the sheets. When allthe resin material has been introduced, the upper portion of the sheetperiphery is sealed with the exception of air gaps, the sheets arelowered to a horizontal position to enable air to be expelled throughthe air gaps, and the liquid resin material is allowed to set.

The above patents do not disclose solutions to the problems discussedabove. Consequently, there remains a need to provide an improved glassor glass-like translucent or transparent material with embeddeddecorative metal. Those of skill in the art will appreciate the presentinvention which addresses the above and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide an improved panelwith a decorative metallic reinforcement.

Another objective the present invention is to provide a means forselectively controlling light reflected by, passing through, or diffusedby a decorative wire mesh panel embedded in translucent or transparentmaterial.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the drawings, the descriptions givenherein, and the appended claims. However, it will be understood thatabove or below-listed and other stated objectives and/or advantages ofthe invention are intended only as an aid in quickly understandingaspects of the invention, are not intended to limit the invention in anyway, and therefore do not form a comprehensive or restrictive list ofobjectives, and/or features, and/or advantages.

In one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides for adecorative layered panel assembly which may comprise one or moreelements such as, for instance, at least two outer layers comprised ofsubstantially transparent or translucent material and/or a woven wiremesh positioned between the outer layers wherein the woven mesh maypreferably be woven with a plurality of flat wires and/or one or moreinner layers of substantially transparent or translucent bindingmaterial which secures the at least two outer layers and the woven wiremesh together. In one possible preferred embodiment, at least a portionof the plurality of flat wires comprise one or more twists at spacedintervals. The spaced intervals the twists may or may not vary inlength. Each twist may be formed by rotating a portion of one of theplurality of flat wires with respect to another portion of the one ofthe plurality of flat wires. In one embodiment, flat wire is rotatedless than or equal to 360 degrees. In another embodiment, the flat wireis rotated 180 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, each twist iscontained completely within an individual one of the plurality of flatwires.

The binding material may preferably but not necessarily comprise amaterial which melts at less than one degrees Centigrade. In oneembodiment, the two outer layers and the woven wire mesh may then besecured together with the binding material as a result of pressureapplied to the panel and heating to panel. The inner layers may becreated from one or more sheets of the binding material positionedbetween the at least two outer layers.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method for making a panel isdisclosed wherein the method may comprise one or more steps such as, forexample, providing at least two sheets of translucent or transparentmaterial, providing a woven mesh comprised of a plurality of flat wires,providing one or more sheets of binding material, inserting the wovenmesh and the one or more sheets of binding material between the at leasttwo sheets of translucent or transparent material to form an assemblyand/or heating the assembly to melt the one or more sheets of bindingmaterial for adhering the at least two sheets of translucent ortransparent material and the woven mesh together with the bindingmaterial.

The method may further comprise heating the assembly to melt the one ormore sheets of binding material but not enough to melt the at least twosheets of translucent or transparent material or the woven mesh. In oneembodiment, the method may further comprise heating the assembly lessthan one thousand degrees Centigrade and/or may further compriseapplying pressure to the assembly during the step of heating.

In one embodiment, the method may comprise forming one or more twistswithin one or more individual ones of the plurality of flat wires and/ormay comprise forming one or more twists while weaving the woven mesh.The method may further comprise positioning the plurality of twists inthe woven mesh at repeatable spacings with respect to each other.

The method may further comprise positioning the plurality of twists inthe woven mesh at non-repeated spacings with respect to each other.

In another embodiment, the present invention may comprise one or morelayers of glass-like material and a wire mesh mounted within the one ormore layers of glass-like material. The wire mesh may comprise a firstplurality of wires and a second plurality of wires. The first pluralityof wires may be interwoven or knitted with the second plurality ofwires. The first plurality of wires may comprise a non-circularcross-section. The first plurality of wires may further comprise aplurality of twisted portions wherein the non-circular cross-section isrotated. The twisted portions may, if desired, be spaced apart withrespect to each other. As well, the twisted portions may be spaced apartwith respect to each other at varying distances with respect to eachother.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for makingconstruction material comprising a decorative panel comprising one ormore steps such as, for instance, determining a desired amount of lightto be passed by the flat panel ranging from zero percent to eighty-fivepercent, and/or controlling construction of a wire mesh comprising afirst plurality of wires and a second plurality of wires to provide thedesired amount of light to be passed by the flat panel, and/or mountingthe wire mesh to the one or more plates of substantially transparentmaterial.

The step of controlling may comprise controlling at least two of a groupconsisting of selecting a wire mesh weave, selecting twists in wires,selecting a percentage of open regions of the wire mesh, selecting oneor more cross-sectional shapes for the first plurality of wires and thesecond plurality of wires, selecting a diameter of the first pluralityof wires and the second plurality of wires.

In another embodiment, a method comprises one or more steps such asdetermining a desired amount of light to be reflected by the flat panelranging from fifteen percent to one hundred percent, and/or controllingconstruction of a wire mesh comprising a first plurality of wires and asecond plurality of wires to provide the desired amount of light to bereflected by the flat panel, and/or mounting the wire mesh to the one ormore plates of substantially transparent material.

The step of controlling may comprise controlling at least two of a groupconsisting of selecting a wire mesh weave, selecting twists in wires,selecting a percentage of open regions of the wire mesh, selecting oneor more cross-sectional shapes for the first plurality of wires and thesecond plurality of wires, selecting a diameter of the first pluralityof wires and the second plurality of wires, selecting a texture of thefirst plurality of wires, selecting a type of metal or alloy, and thesecond plurality of wires and selecting a reflectance of the firstplurality of wires and the second plurality of wires.

In another embodiment the invention comprises producing a substantiallyflat and easily cleaneable smooth surface with an internal decorativeand textured wire screen.

The present invention comprises, in another embodiment thereof, adecorative construction assembly. The invention may comprise one or moreelements such as, for instance, one or more substantially transparentpanels and/or a wire mesh mounted within therein. The substantially flatpanel may be rigid but could also be substantially bendable. The wiremesh may comprise a first plurality of wires and a second plurality ofwires in at least one weave pattern or knitted pattern. In oneembodiment, the wire mesh may act as a curtain in the glass wherebylight passes but it is difficult to see what is behind the panel,especially from a distance. This embodiment may be of use for a dressingcurtain or shower enclosure. The first plurality of wires may beinterwoven with a second plurality of wires. The wire mesh may be wovenwith a twilled weave or variation thereof and/or the wire mesh may bewoven in a Dutch weave or variation thereof and/or the wire mesh may bewoven in a heddle weave or variation thereof. A few examples of otherweaves include plain weave, twill weave, 5-heddle weave and/or otherwoven variations. The first plurality of wires may interconnect with thesecond plurality of wires at a plurality of intersections. Each of theplurality of intersections may comprise individual wires extendingtherefrom, whereby the individual wires engage each other but arepreferably not twisted around each other so as to loop around eachother. The second plurality of wires may have a cross-section with atleast one planar side. Either the first plurality of wires or the secondplurality of wires may have a non-round cross-section.

The decorative construction assembly may further comprise a transparentadhesive for securing the wire mesh within at least one first layer ofsubstantially transparent material and at least one second layer ofsubstantially transparent material. The wire mesh may have a surfacearea and may define openings therein that permit light through the wiremesh, whereby a percentage of the openings with respect to a totalsurface area of the wire mesh is in a range from zero to eighty-fivepercent. Alternative the range of open area may be smaller such asbetween zero and twenty percent or forty percent. The wire mesh may havea lustrous surface.

In another embodiment, the decorative construction material may compriseone or more elements, such as, for instance, weaving or knitting a firstplurality of wires with a second plurality of wires to form a wire mesh.Depending on the embodiment, the wires may or may not be welded. Inanother embodiment, a metallic plate or sheet may also be stamped and/orstamped to produce an opening and which is then widened. The individualwires in the wire mesh preferably intersect without looping completelyaround each other. However, the mesh could be knitted by utilizing aplurality of knitting needles. The wire mesh preferably has between zeroand eighty five percent open areas through the mesh. However, the wiremesh openings could also be between zero and fifty, forty, thirty, ortwenty percent, depending on the decorative design. In one embodiment,the wire mesh may be mounted between a plurality of substantiallytransparent panels in laminar construction and may preferably be affixedto the plurality of substantially transparent panels. In anotherembodiment, the wire mesh may be integral or melted into the transparentpanels. The wire mesh may be affixed by adhering the wire mesh to theplurality of substantially transparent panels and/or by fastening thewire mesh to the plurality of substantially transparent panels with afastener.

The decorative construction material may be constructed into an assemblythat may be used to form a portion of a building wall, and/or thedecorative construction material may be constructed into an assemblythat may be used to form a portion of an article of furniture. Manyother construction uses are also possible, e.g., counter tops, glasscurtains, shower enclosures, cubical walls, and the like.

A wall portion may comprise a wire mesh embedded within a plurality oftranslucent panels. The wire mesh may comprise woven filaments in aselected weave pattern such that open area through the wire meshcomprises less than eighty-five percent of an overall area of the wiremesh. The wall portion is preferably mounted. In one embodiment, thewall portion may be mounted in furniture. In another embodiment, thewall portion may be mounted as a wall for a building.

In one embodiment, the wire mesh may possibly be cut into a desiredpattern, such as, for example only, geometric patterns, animal patterns,circles, automobiles, or any other types of patterns. The wire meshpreferably contains a lustrous surface.

This summary is not intended to be a limitation with respect to thefeatures of the invention as claimed, and this and other objects can bemore readily observed and understood in the detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbersand wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a decorative wiremesh embedded in glass, plastic, or other preferably relatively clearmaterials, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a decorativewire mesh embedded in glass, plastic, or other preferably relativelyclear materials, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, in cross-section, of yet anotherembodiment of a decorative wire mesh in glass, plastic, or otherpreferably relatively clear materials, in accord with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of adecorative wire mesh embedded in glass, plastic, or other preferablyrelatively clear materials, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a decorativewire mesh embedded in glass, plastic, or other preferably relativelyclear materials, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing use of a first cross-sectionalshaped filament, in this case atwisted planar surfaced filament, with asecond different cross-sectional shaped filament, in this case a roundfilament, which may be used in the decorative wire mesh, in accord withthe present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view, in cross-section, showing a plurality ofcross-sections of some different types of wire filaments for use in thedecorative wire mesh, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view, in cross-section, showing anotherembodiment of a decorative wire mesh embedded in glass, plastic, orother preferably relatively clear materials, in accord with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view, partially in cross-section, showing awelded mesh structure embedded in glass, plastic, or other preferablyrelatively clear materials, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view showing a shaped decorative wire mesh, inthis case a circle, embedded in glass, plastic, or other preferablyrelatively clear materials, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing a decorative wire mesh embeddedin clear glass or plastic with a cut out shape, in this case a circle,in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view showing a decorative wire mesh figurine,in this case a frog, embedded in glass or plastic, in accord with thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a glass-top table using decorative wiremesh embedded in the clear glass or plastic top, in accord with thepresent invention;

FIG. 14 is an elevational view showing another embodiment of adecorative wire mesh embedded in clear glass or plastic used as a wallor divider, in accord with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective exploded view of components utilized to formone possible embodiment of a decorative wire mesh panel in accord withthe present invention;

FIG. 16 is an elevational view, in cross-section, which shows theembodiment of a decorative wire mesh panel shown in FIG. 15 afterassembly in accord with the present invention; and

FIG. 17 is an elevational view showing an embodiment of a wire meshpanel which comprises a mesh with flat wires wherein some of the flatwires are twisted at specific locations in accord with one possibleembodiment of the present invention.

While the present invention will be described in connection withpresently preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is notintended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary,it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalentsincluded within the spirit of the invention.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly to FIG. 1, FIG. 2,and FIG. 3, there is shown wire mesh panel 10 which comprises wiremeshes 12A and 12B which are mounted within upper transparent panel 14and lower transparent panel 16. The wire mesh utilized in wire meshpanel 10 may comprise many different types, including many differentweaves, knits, and constructions. Wire mesh panel 10 is generallydesigned to have much less open area than prior art safety glass and maytypically have open area in the range from zero to eighty-five percentas compared to the total area of the wire mesh but could comprise otherranges e.g., less than forty percent. In fact, in some cases it may bedesirable to provide wire mesh with very small open areas or tocompletely close off the open areas thereby blocking vision therethroughsuch as for a show enclosure or dressing room curtain. Architect may beable to select a panel based on light passing through, light reflected,light absorbed, light scattered back or diffused when passing throughpanel 10. Thus, an architect may initially select such factors in orderto choose a desired panel.

Typically, the open area will be less than about fifty percent of thetotal area of the wire mesh but could be a smaller or larger percentage.The reflectance of the wire mesh is also controlled. Different sides ofthe wire mesh panel may have different amounts of reflectivity. Apreferred range of reflectance ranges from total reflectance of thelight, up to one hundred percent to a smaller amount of reflectance suchas about fifteen percent.

The wire mesh is preferably selected not only for strength but also foraesthetic purposes. Accordingly, one possible object of the invention isnot necessarily to enhance vision through wire mesh panel 10 but insteadto provide a generally very strong and aesthetically pleasingconstruction panel that may be utilized for a wide variety ofconstruction purposes such as in furniture, building walls, and thelike. The wire diameters may have a fairly wide range of diameters suchas between 0.02 mm to 2 mm or larger. As the diameter decreases,additional wire strands are utilized to keep the open areas smaller. Thewires may be of any type such as copper or stainless alloys or anysuitable wire with any type of finish. In one embodiment, due to thelimited open areas, most of the light striking panel, will be reflectedand/or absorbed.

In another embodiment, the wire mesh panel is suitable for use inhygienic environments. For instance, screens may presently be providedin hygienic environments such as restaurants, hospitals, and the likewhich are difficult to clean. The present invention provides an easilycleanable panel with the aesthetic appeal providing by a screen.

In FIG. 1-FIG. 3, wire mesh 12A is woven with planar surfaced memberssuch as filaments, wires or the like. However, other types of wires orcombinations of different types of wires could also be utilized. Thewires may or may not comprise insulated wires, which could be colored,although in a preferred embodiment, non-insulated wires are utilized.The wire mesh may also employ numerous different weaves, openings, andconstructions only a few of which are shown herein. As used herein,terms such as filaments, wires, and/or other planar members compriseterminology that may be utilized substantially interchangeably. Theweaves affect the light passing through as well as how much light isreflected and how that light reflects, e.g., by scattering or diffusingthe light over the entire room.

Preferably transparent or translucent panels 14 and 16 are made of anysuitable material such as glass, plastic, lexan, polycarbonates,acrylics, any suitable materials discussed hereinbefore, or any othersuitable relatively clear or translucent material such that the wiremesh is visible through the panels. Translucent panels 14 and 16 may berigid but could also be flexible to a certain extent so that panel 10may be bendable by a certain amount. For a rigid construction either thetranslucent panels or the mesh may be rigidly formed. Considerations forpanels 14 and 16 may also include insulation properties, clarity, anytinting, tensile strength, and so forth. A single translucent panel mayalso be utilized wherein the mesh is encapsulated such as by meltinginto the glass whereby the result is a wall like structure with arelatively large surface area with length and height much larger thanthe thickness of the panel.

The panels may be designed to provide a selected amount of light to bepassed through or reflected such that an architect can make a panelselection based on such considerations. Thus, an architect will be ableto design the amount of light coming through the screen such as throughskylights, window panels, or the like. Various factors can be controlledin the construction of wire screen to control reflectance, lightscattering, and translucence or the amount of light passing through thescreen. Such control techniques may comprise selecting one or more offactors such as the wire mesh weave, selecting twists in wires tocontrol reflectance, selecting a percentage of open regions of the wiremesh to affect both reflectance and translucence, selecting one or morecross-sectional shapes for a first plurality of wires and a secondplurality of wires which may be woven together, selecting a diameter ofthe first plurality of wires and the second plurality of wires,selecting a texture of the first plurality of wires and the secondplurality of wires and/or selecting a reflectance, gloss, polish, or thelike, of the first plurality of wires and the second plurality of wires

In one preferred embodiment, the wire mesh is bonded, epoxied, glued, orthe like between panels 14 and 16 and/or other panels as indicated inFIG. 3 utilizing clear adhesive material 18 which may be inserted intothe interstices, openings, cracks, and/or gaps between panels 14 and 16within the wire mesh, such as wire mesh 12B.

Wire meshes 12A and 12B in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 utilize planar surfacedmembers such as wires 20A;20B, 22A;22B, 24A;24B, and 26A;26B in a firstdirection, which may comprise parallel shute filaments. Thecross-directional planar surface members or filaments, such as circularcross-section wires 28A;28B, 30A;30B, 32A;32B, 34A;34B, are woventransverse to the first direction, and may be the parallel warpfilaments. In a preferred embodiment, the wires or filaments in onedirection will be substantially identical, but depending on theequipment utilized for weaving, may not always be so. Generally, warpfilaments are those that go along the length of the weave and shutefilaments are those that go sideways with respect to the length of theweave. However, the mesh may also be knitted, such as a scrubbing mesh,or welded, or stamped. The welding of a mesh may be utilized to stiffenthe mesh or rigid straight wires could be utilized to form a frameworkthat is welded together. Knitted generally refers to stitchingtechniques which uses two or more knitting needles to make a wirefabric. Stamping may include insertion of a stamping tool to make anopening and then widening the opening.

The warp wires and the shute wires may or may not be identical and mayhave different types of cross-sections as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. InFIG. 4, wire mesh panel 10 comprises wire mesh 12C, which is woven withdifferent cross-sectional types of planar surfaced wires. While in FIG.5, the wires are of the same type.

Note that the wires may have much smaller diameters. For instance eachwarp member 36D, 38D and shute member 40D, 42D might comprise manyseparate smaller diameter wires. Thus, for instance, 36D may comprisemany individual smaller wires which may be unwoven and aligned parallelto each other or which may be woven together to form 36D. Anycross-sectional type of wire maybe utilized herein, as indicated in FIG.7, which shows several different cross-section types of wires includingplanar wire 44 which may be flat with round corners and/or oval,triangular wire 46, square wire 48, rectangular wire 50 and round wire52. Many other types of wires could also be utilized. As shown in FIG.6, wires of different types such as round wires 52 and rectangular wires54 may be utilized therein. As indicated in FIG. 6, rectangularcross-section wire may twisted, perhaps randomly or regularly twisted ina mesh, to thereby affect not only the visual effect of the mesh butalso the reflectance of the mesh and the diffusion of light reflectedand passed by the mesh through panel 10.

Thus, wire mesh panel 10 could be woven with a combination planar andnon-planar cross-sectional type members or filaments and with a widerange of different diameter wires. For instance, planar wires, or wireslaid together or woven together to form planar members, may be wovenwith round cross-sectioned wires or wires laid together or woventogether to form round members. Planar wires or wires laid to formplanar patterns or members may also be woven with differentcross-sectioned planar wires or wires laid in planar fashion to formother members, e.g., rectangular cross-sectioned planar wires or memberswith triangular cross-section planar wires or members.

Referring to intersections 54D, 56D, and 58D in FIG. 5, it will be notedthat in a preferred embodiment the wires intersect but do loop aroundeach other. Due to the inherent strength of a mesh with smaller openareas, which may be the result of more wires and/or larger diameterwires, there is no need to wrap or twist the wires completely aroundeach other as per prior art wire mesh safety glass. Thus, the wirestypically engage each other, and may slidingly engage each other unlessthe wire mesh is epoxied or otherwise adhered into position. It willalso be noted that in FIG. 5 the open areas of the mesh, such asopenings 60, 62, and 64, provide about ten to thirty percent open areaas compared to the overall area of the mesh.

In another embodiment of the invention, planar surface wires such asplanar surface wires 36D, 38D, 40D, and 42D in FIG. 5 may be utilized toreduce the overall thickness of mesh 12D, and thus the overall thicknessof panel 10. For some types of weaves, the variations produced by theintersections are greatly reduced by reducing the height ofintersections to the extent that one side of the weave may effectivelyhave no knuckles or portions extending outwardly from an average heightof the mesh. Thus, light reflected may be less diffused when utilizingsuch weaves. For instance, referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that onthe upper side of mesh 12B adjacent panel 14, the mesh is substantiallyflat with no knuckles. Other meshes, may utilize, for instance, afive-heddle weave to thereby effectively eliminate the knuckles on oneside and also reduce the number of crossing intersections that couldproduce knuckles. Use of weaves with significant knuckles results in agreater amount of diffusing of the reflected light. Other heddle weavescould also be utilized with more or fewer intersections per row. Forinstance, intersections where the wires change levels in a row could bespaced by every 2nd-4th planar element in a heddle weave. As anotherexample, the reduced diameter knuckles could be spaced apart by morethan five elements or filaments in a heddle weave, and may effectivelyresult in zero knuckles. Wire mesh 12B of FIG. 3 shows a three-heddleweave. Other types of suitable weaves, a few possibilities of which areshown herein, include twill, plain, Dutch weave, twill weave, lockcrimped, ride lockcrimped or flat top, weaving combinations, otherweaves, and so forth. FIG. 8 shows a five-heddle weave with relativelyflat surfaces on either side of mesh 12E.

In yet another embodiment, the wire mesh may utilize wires that arewelded at each intersection to provide additional strength, such asshown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9. Thus, wires 66 and 68 arewelded at intersections 70 and 72 to wire 74 in wire mesh 12F. FIG. 9also illustrates that, if desired, fasteners such as fasteners 76 and 78may be utilized for securing panels 14 and 16 together with mesh 12F.Many different types of fasteners could be utilized, as desired. Notethat epoxy may or may not be utilized in interstices 18 when fastenersare utilized.

FIG. 10-12 show variations of use of mesh in panels 10. In FIG. 10circular mesh 12G is utilized. In FIG. 11, mesh 12H provides for porthole 80. In FIG. 12, mesh 121 is in the form of an animal, design, orother arbitrary shape. If desired, in FIG. 10, the center region may beprovided as only a screen and with no translucent covering. Thus, panelshown in FIG. 10 may provide a working screen that is mounted in thesame way as a panel of glass to thereby avoid the special constructionrequirements for replacing glass with a screen or for mounting a screen.The center screen could also be utilized as an easily mountable filterfor filtering particles such as in a filtering system. Screens mountedin glass may also be utilized with special screens, e.g., interferometerscreens, for use in scientific instruments.

Panel 10 effectively forms construction material that can be utilized ina wide variety of ways. For instance in FIG. 13, panel 10 is mounted asthe top in a coffee table or other table 82. Panel 10 may be provided asa counter in a bar or as a counter top for a kitchen. In FIG. 14,multiple panels 10 are mounted together to form a wall 84, such as thewall in an office building, bank, divider walls, shower doors, fireplaceglass, balconies, stairs, skylights, or the like.

One possible preferred embodiment panel 100 is shown in exploded form inFIG. 15 and in cross-section in FIG. 16. In FIG. 15, glass-likematerials such as glass, polycarbonates, plastics or other suitablematerials, some of which have been listed and/or referencedhereinbefore, may preferably be utilized for outer panel layers 102 and104. Layers 102 and 104 may also comprise tempered glass, annealedglass, heat strengthened glass, as desired. Layers 102 and 104 may betransparent or translucent with colors, patterns, particles embeddedtherein, or the like, as desired.

Layers 102 and 104 may comprise different materials. For instance, layer102 may comprise glass and layer 104 may comprise polycarbonate.Moreover, additional layers such as glass layers, plastic layers, andpolycarbonate layers, with additional inner layers therebetween may beutilized, e.g. glass, polyvinyl butyral, glass, polyvinyl butyral,glass, urethane, polycarbonate. Accordingly, the example of FIG. 15 ismerely one possibility of construction and numerous different types oflayers may be utilized in accord with the present invention.

The use of wire mesh 110 therewith opens the possibility for greatlyincreasing the strength of panel 110 to provide blast resistant,hurricane impact resistant, bullet resistant, forced-entry resistant, orsimply decorative panels that are aesthetic and attractive. In onepreferred embodiment, panels such as panel 110 may be easily mounted ina similar manner as one might mount panes of glass into a window frame.

Plastic, films, resins, vinyls, urethanes, polyvinyl butyral, PVB, EVA,and/or other suitable materials some of which have been listedhereinbefore, may be utilized inside of outer panel layers 102 and 104to form one or more inner layers of materials which bind outer layers102 and 104 together with mesh 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15,two inner layers 106 and 108 are utilized which may be heated, and/ormelted, and/or compressed and/or cooled to thereby bond together thecomponents of panel 100. However, more or less than two inner layers maybe utilized as desired, or as most expedient. The inner layers maypreferably have sufficient volume to fill in the open areas of wire mesh110 which may preferably be utilized in a central portion such that, ifdesired, no air gaps are introduced therein. In one preferredembodiment, the outer glass layers are compressed and heated to atemperature which may preferably be less than about one thousand degreescentigrade to thereby melt the materials of 106 and 108. Other materialsfor inner layers 106 and 108 discussed below may require differenttreatment. Layers 106 and 108 may be different materials which mayinteract or mix together or may comprise the same material. Layers 106and 108 may effectively be one layer and/or effectively be onecontinuously bound layer with mesh 110 therebetween.

One embodiment of a method for making a panel in accord with theinvention comprises steps such as compressing and heating layers 106 and108 whereby the openings in mesh 110 are filled and the outer layers 102and 104 are secured together. In this way, panel 100 becomes a solid,high-strength construction as shown in cross-section in FIG. 16. Asdiscussed above, layers 106 and 108 as shown in FIG. 16 may be formed byone or more layers of plastic and or other materials that are preferablymelted to thereby bond with outer layers 102 and 104 as well as mesh110. FIG. 16 shows a preferred cross-section, but additional layers maybe utilized within panel 100 as desired.

As another possible example, PVB foils may be utilized for layers 106and 108. PVB foils, in one embodiment, may be best utilized duringmanufacturing in a climate regulated atmosphere. One possible type ofsuitable PVB foil is sold under the name Trosifol. Trosifol foil can beused for manufacturing panel 100 simply with a vacuum bag and withoutthe need for heat from using, for instance, an autoclave. However, withnormal PVB foils, panel 100 may be formed by being put into an oven orautoclave and heated ninety to one hundred forty degrees Centigradewherein pressure and heat are applied. PVB laminated glasses have goodsound deadening and are generally considered to be rated as safety glassas may be especially desirable for use in stairways and/or otherconstructive glass applications.

As another possible example, EVA foil may be utilized which may beutilized for manufacture of panels 100 without the need for largerequipment. Generally, foils such as PVB or EVA, may be utilized aslayers 106 and 108 which surround mesh 110, and which are utilizedbetween glass layers 102 and 104. In order to pull out the air betweenthe foils and the mesh, the whole construction 100 may be placed into avacuum bag. The vacuum bag under constant vacuum is placed into an ovenand heated at the desired temperature. Utilizing normal PVB, anautoclave is utilized to produce heat and pressure as necessary.

FIG. 17 discloses a translucent and/or transparent panel 100 throughwhich one can observe a novel wire mesh 110 mounted therein which may beeffectively utilized architecturally for reflecting, directing, and/ordiffusing light. In one possible embodiment, mesh 110 comprises flat,substantially flat, or planar surfaced wires for both shute wires 112and the warp wires 114. Flat or substantially flat wires, as referred toherein, have two surfaces with a flat or substantially flat appearanceas seen when looking at transparent panel 100, such as might bedescribed by cross-sections 44, 48, and 50 as shown in FIG. 7, whereinthe cross-sections may be taken at various points along the length thewire and where, in a preferred embodiment, the cross-sections so takenremain substantially constant. However, it will be understood that othertypes of wires besides flat wires may also be used in the mesh.

For visual effects where twisting of wires may be used in accord withone embodiment of the invention, the twist is more visible if the wiresutilized comprise a cross-section such that twisting produces a visuallyperceptible change, e.g., a twist in a wire with a rectangularcross-section as compared to a twist in a perfectly round cross-sectionwhich may not be readily discernible.

Variations of the flat wires in mesh 10 can be readily selected toproduce desired architectural effects. Such variations of the flat wiresto produce desired architectural effects include but are not limited tovariations in width, opening spaces, reflectance, type of metal oralloy, finish of the metal, type of weave, and/or other variationsdisclosed hereinbefore, and/or the number and spacing of twists asdiscussed hereinafter. ” Wire Mesh Panel and Method” Inventors: RuedigerTueshaus and Patrick McGrenera Twists in warp and shute wires 112 and114, such as twists 116 and 118, and the like, may be inserted at randompositions, at irregular positions, and/or in a pre-determined pattern,as discussed hereinbefore. In one possible preferred embodiment, thetwists are produced within particular portions of the wire rather thanspread along the length of the wire. Each twist may involve at leastone-half turn of the wire but could utilize one or more complete turnsand each twist may have a preset, random, or irregular numbers of turns.The twists may be positioned anywhere in the weave including at theintersections, between the intersections, at either side of the mesh, atany specified or regular positions, at irregular, random, and/or regularspacings between twists and/or intersections and/or positions within themesh, and/or at some combination of the above factors or other desiredfactors. As a general rule, while the shute or warp wire may betwisting, the shute and warp wires are not twisted together to form anintersection, although if desired they could be.

The spacing, number, location, and other various features of the twistsmay be selected based on the type and/or amount of lighting, reflection,or other visual effects which may be desired. The visual effects of wiremesh panels in accord with the present invention are discussedhereinbefore.

The weave may be a particular pattern, an irregular pattern, and/or arandom pattern, as desired. If twists are desired, the twists may bepositioned only in shute wires or only in warp wires or both. FIG. 17provides an example where twists, such as twist 116 and 118 are includedin both the shute and warp wires. The warp and shute wires may besubstantially straight or may contain random, regular, or irregularcurves as desired. As discussed above, while binding layers such aslayers 106 and 108 may be utilized, resins may also be utilized. Resinsmay often be utilized more easily with larger wire diameters and smallerquantities of product produced.

It will be understood that terms such as wire mesh, woven or knittedmesh, and the like are often used interchangeably herein. By planarmembers it is meant herein that at least one surface of the wire,member, or filament substantially comprises a plane, has a cross-sectionwhich appears to provide a relatively flat continuous, smooth surface,or at least has a variable shape so that one portion of thecross-section is readily visually distinguishable from another portion.The cross-sectional shape may be substantially constant even if the wireitself is not exactly horizontal or straight but instead follows theweave of the mesh and if the wire includes turns or twists. In onepreferred embodiment, the shape of the cross-section will preferably becontinuous along the length of the member, filament, or wire. Thus,calendaring an already woven screen will not produce planar members withcontinuous, regular surfaces as discussed herein, because calendaredfilaments or wires do not have substantially the same cross-sectionalong their length. Instead, calendaring will produce variations in thecross-sections of the wires or filaments at the knuckles. However,calendared screens may also be utilized in accord with the presentinvention.

Moreover, the woven planar filament meshes of the present invention maybe molded into other shapes, which may not be relatively or perfectlyflat, or which may be pleated or rounded, and/or may be utilized in anydesirable shape within any type of filtration equipment which may notutilize vibration but may also utilize pressure or other means offiltration. It will be understood from review of the disclosure of thepresent invention that many different types of weaves and combinationsutilizing woven planar members in accord with the present invention maybe utilized.

The woven planar wires may comprise fibers of various types, stainlesssteel, carbon steel, other visually pleasing metallic materials,combinations thereof, colered plastic, or any other suitable material. Ascreen in accord with one possible embodiment of the present inventionis preferably woven. One additional advantage of woven screens is abuilt-in resistance against vibration and the strength thereof as may bedesirable for certain construction projects.

In one possible embodiment, woven wires such as wires 112 and 114 maycomprise diameters of 0.5 millimeters or less, if desired, and may bewoven in rolls with decorative aspects such as comprising various metalswith various colors. As noted above, in one preferred embodiment, thewires are flat to thereby provide reflection visual effects. As alreadynoted above, other visually effective meshes may include herring bonemeshes and the like. In another embodiment, smaller wires in the rangeof 0.025 mm or so in 100 mesh mesh may be utilized to produce visuallypleasing and/or practical screens, e.g., radar antennas.

Thus, the foregoing disclosure and description of the invention istherefore illustrative and explanatory of one or more presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention and variations thereof, and itwill be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes inthe design, organization, order of operation, means of operation,equipment structures and location, methodology, and use of mechanicalequivalents, as well as in the details of the illustrated constructionor combinations of features of the various elements, may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention. As well, the drawings areintended to describe the concepts of the invention so that the presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention will be plainly disclosed to oneof skill in the art but are not intended to be manufacturing-leveldrawings or renditions of final products and may include simplifiedconceptual views as desired for easier and quicker understanding orexplanation of the invention. It will be seen that various changes andalternatives may be used that are contained within the spirit of theinvention. Moreover, it will be understood that various directions suchas “upper,” “lower,” “bottom,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “inwardly,”“outwardly,” and so forth are made only with respect to easierexplanation in conjunction with the drawings and that the components maybe oriented differently, for instance, during transportation andmanufacturing as well as operation. Because many varying and differentembodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s)herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in theembodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptiverequirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details hereinare to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

1.-25. (canceled)
 26. A decorative substantially flat constructionassembly, comprising: at least two layers of glass material with asmooth surface; a wire mesh bonded within said at least two layers ofglass material, said wire mesh comprising a first plurality of wires anda second plurality of wires consisting entirely of metallic material,said first plurality of wires being interwoven with said secondplurality of wires, said wire mesh having a total surface area, saidwire mesh defining openings therein for controlling light through saidwire mesh whereby a percentage of said openings with respect to saidtotal surface area of said wire mesh in a range consisting of from zeroto twenty-five percent controls light transmission to pass therethrough;and at least two layers of bonding material to bond said at least twolayers of glass material with said wire mesh.
 27. The decorativeconstruction assembly of claim 26, wherein said wire mesh comprises wiremesh filter material.
 28. The decorative construction assembly of claim26, wherein a first side of said wire mesh is more reflective of lightthan a second side of said wire mesh.
 29. The decorative constructionassembly of claim 26, wherein at least one of said first plurality ofwires or said second plurality of wires comprises a triangularcross-section, thereby producing an effect on reflected or transmittedlight.
 30. The decorative construction assembly of claim 26, whereinsaid first plurality of wires comprise a round cross-section and secondplurality of wires have a cross-section with at least one planar side,thereby producing an effect on reflected or transmitted light.
 31. Thedecorative construction assembly of claim 26, wherein said firstplurality of wires comprise a first cross-section and said secondplurality of wires comprise a second cross-section such that said secondcross-section is not the same as said first cross-section, therebyproducing an effect on reflected or transmitted light.
 32. Thedecorative construction assembly of claim 26, wherein said constructionassembly forms a portion of a building wall, said construction assemblybeing configured as a window panel so as to be replaceable with a windowpanel.
 33. The decorative construction material of claim 26, said glassmaterial on a first side of said construction material being lesstransparent than said glass material on a second side.
 34. Thedecorative construction assembly of claim 26, wherein said wire meshcomprises knuckles that are substantially flat to reduce diffusion ofreflected light.
 35. The decorative construction assembly of claim 26,wherein said percentage of said openings with respect to said totalsurface area of said wire mesh is in a range of from zero to tenpercent.
 36. The decorative construction assembly of claim 26, whereinsaid wire mesh is not welded together, at least one of said firstplurality of wires or said second plurality of wires further comprisinga non-round cross-section which is further twisted by a selected numberof twists.
 37. A decorative substantially flat construction assembly,comprising: at least two layers of glass material; a wire mesh bondedwithin said at least two layers of glass material, said wire meshcomprising a first plurality of wires and a second plurality of wiresconsisting entirely of metallic material, said first plurality of wiresbeing interwoven with said second plurality of wires, said wire meshhaving a total surface area, said wire mesh defining openings thereinfor controlling light through said wire mesh whereby a percentage ofsaid openings with respect to said total surface area of said wire meshcontrols light transmission in a range from zero to eighty-five percentto pass therethrough, at least one of said first plurality of wires orsaid second plurality of wires comprises non-round wires with anon-round cross-section to thereby reflect light which encounters saidnon-round wires; and at least two layers of bonding material to bondsaid at least two layers of glass material with said wire mesh.
 38. Adecorative substantially flat construction assembly, comprising: atleast two layers of glass material with a smooth surface; and a wiremesh mounted within said at least two layers of glass material, saidwire mesh comprising a first plurality of wires and a second pluralityof wires consisting entirely of metallic material, said first pluralityof wires being interwoven with said second plurality of wires, said wiremesh having a total surface area, said wire mesh defining openingstherein for controlling light through said wire mesh whereby apercentage of said openings with respect to said total surface area ofsaid wire mesh in a range from zero to eighty-five percent controlslight transmission to pass therethrough, said first plurality of wirescomprise a first cross-section and said second plurality of wirescomprise a second cross-section such that said second cross-section isnot the same as said first cross-section, thereby producing an effect onreflected or transmitted light; and at least two layers of bondingmaterial to bond said at least two layers of glass material with saidwire mesh.
 39. The decorative substantially flat construction assemblyof claim 38, wherein said first plurality of wires comprise across-section with at least one planar surface and said second pluralityof wires comprise a round cross-section.
 40. A decorative substantiallyflat construction assembly, comprising: at least two layers of glassmaterial with a smooth surface; and a wire mesh mounted within said atleast two layers of glass material, said wire mesh comprising a firstplurality of wires and a second plurality of wires, said first pluralityof wires being interwoven with said second plurality of wires, said wiremesh having a total surface area, said wire mesh defining openingstherein for controlling light through said wire mesh whereby apercentage of said openings with respect to said total surface area ofsaid wire mesh controls light transmission in a range from zero toeighty-five percent to pass therethrough, said wire mesh comprisingknuckles that are substantially flat to reduce diffusion of reflectedlight and at least two layers of bonding material to bond said at leasttwo layers of glass material with said wire mesh.
 41. A decorativesubstantially flat construction assembly, comprising: at least twolayers of glass material with a smooth surface; and a wire mesh mountedwithin said at least two layers of glass material, said wire meshcomprising a first plurality of wires and a second plurality of wires,said first plurality of wires being interwoven with said secondplurality of wires, said wire mesh having a total surface area, saidwire mesh defining openings therein for controlling light through saidwire mesh whereby a percentage of said openings with respect to saidtotal surface area of said wire mesh controls light transmission in arange from zero to eighty-five percent to pass therethrough, said wiremesh and said glass material comprising a first side and a second side,said glass material on said second side being less transparent than saidglass material on said first side.